THE HUTONG BIKE TOUR
Michael led us on a bike tour around the "Hutong" which I guess means neighborhood - surrounding the Forbidden City. It had all these great little alleys, with fancy and dilapidated old doorways for military and scholars, with their rankings denoted by "stars" on posts above the doors. People are still living there, the very wealthy next to the very poor. I was once again glad that Michael was leading us as I'm extremely directionally impaired and could have circled the same route endlessly without finding my way out. Some of the locals weren't helpful either, laughing at us, and trying to send us back into the maze. We stopped for dumplings at lunchtime.
YUNGANG GROTTOS
There are over 50,000 Buddhas carved in these 20 plus caves over 1500 years ago. Mike and I think that the contestants on Amazing Race should have to come here and count the tiny Buddhas on one of the walls.
THE HANGING MONASTERY
We got here at dusk, and were the last ones to go through. Actually, I didn't realize at first that we would actually go into the monastery, but just look at it. Let me tell you, that monastery is hanging! Or rather, clinging to the cliff face. And it's kind of supported by some big wooden beams, that to be honest, do not inspire confidence. They actually had us pay a little extra for insurance at the ticket booth - insurance for injury -but I'm sure any injury would also mean you were very dead. This would make a great haunted house.
So if we haven't impressed upon you the craziness of this place yet, see this video.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
China - Part 2
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7 comments:
Joey here. This post is a must see. I really like the slide shows. You get to see many pictures without wearing out your scrolling finger. We miss you guys.
Vicky I really like the last photo of the carved Buddhas. It reminds me of a photo in my Asian humanities book. I think it would look nice framed. :)
I wish I could take credit for that photo - but it was from Joey & Katie's camera. They let me borrow. :)
How cool is that! I am so jealous. That is an experience of a lifetime for sure! :) You will be so glad that you went. How awesome! :)
loved all your pics, how wonderful! i like all you guys.
What a fun bunch of world travelers! I'm so glad you put that video at the end, that is so high! What an awesome and scary view!
Totally amazing trip and great pics. I am so jealous that you got to ride a zip line off the great wall. Where was that when we went?? What a fun lifetime of memories to hold! Welcome home and see you Monday for sister's lunch!
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